City Theatre Company
Photo courtesy of City Theatre Company.

8. Drive-In Community Arts Festival at Hazelwood Green: September 10-27

One of Pittsburgh’s newest high-tech hubs will be the site of a dynamic community arts festival with live drive-in experiences. Moving its productions from indoor stages to the Great Outdoors, City Theatre is presenting 12 nights of programming curated by local cultural partners. From magic and comedy shows and social justice disco, to hip hop and classical music  — all events will be performed live on stage and projected on a screen next to Mill 19. Creating a much-needed venue for safe live performances, the series kicks off September 10 with live music by The Buckle Downs and The Living Street. View a schedule and buy tickets.

Race for the Cure
Photo courtesy of Komen Pittsburgh Race for the Cure.

9. Komen Pittsburgh Race for the Cure (virtual): September 13-26

“Walk where you are; race where you are!” is the clarion call of the 28th annual Komen Pittsburgh Race for the Cure. Honoring those who have been impacted by breast cancer, the race kicks off with an online ceremony. Throughout the two-week race period, there will be daily contests, giveaways, educational Mission Moments, survivor stories and more. Runners and walkers alike can share photos, videos and stories and submit their mileage and race time here (mdluhos@komengreaterpa.org). Hitting the ground running to support national breast cancer research — as well as vital health programs — participants can race when and where they feel most comfortable. Register here.

Rivers of Steel
Photo courtesy of Rivers of Steel.

10. Carrie Carpool Cinema at the Carrie Blast Furnaces: September 18 & 19, 6 p.m.

Rivers of Steel has saved summer by opening its Historic National Landmark up as a drive-in movie destination. Ideal for social distancing, the attraction of yesteryear is enjoying a huge comeback in the era of COVID-19. September’s theme showcases movies known for their epic soundtracks and rocking screenplays. On September 18, don’t miss Joel and Ethan Coen’s Y2K classic O, Brother, Where Art Thou? followed by the riveting Ray Charles biopic starring Jamie Foxx. Cruise back to Carrie for some retro film fun on September 19, thanks to a double feature pairing George Lucas’ coming-of-age flick American Graffiti comedy favorite, The Blues Brothers. Movie-goers can also buy concession bites and take a mini-tour of the dramatic site. Buy tickets.

11. Art on Fire Celebration & Auction (virtual): September 25, 7 p.m.

The virtual flames will burn bright when Pittsburgh Glass Center hosts its biggest annual benefit bash online. The event’s signature auction is the place to score one-of-a-kind glass items – from dishware to jewelry to sculpture — and this year’s vast selection boasts 100-plus works from internationally established and emerging artists. A curated collection of five exclusive auction objects will showcase this year’s honorary artist, ceramicist Sharif Bey. While anyone can participate in the auction for free, VIP tickets can be purchased for access to exclusive glassblowing demonstrations, artist studio tours and an interview with Bey.

ScareHouse
Photo courtesy of ScareHouse.

12. ScareHouse opens at Pittsburgh Mills: September 25

Pittsburgh’s top haunted attraction is moving from Etna to take up permanent residence at the emptied New Kensington mall. Where the Swedish chain H&M once sold trendy fashions, ScareHouse will occupy 20,000 square feet of spine-tingling space. That means twice as much room for creepy characters to torment brave horror seekers. New safety measures for the Halloween season include timed ticketing, a 50 percent reduction in occupancy, touchless, hand-sanitizing stations, masked marauders, extensive cleaning protocols, and a massive parking lot for implementing a virtual queue system. ScareHouse will operate through November 14. Buy tickets.

Pittsburgh Park Conservancy
Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Park Conservancy.

13. PNC Pittsburgh Park Conservancy Hat Luncheon: Picnic in Your Park: September 26

Don your most fabulous hat to help children experiencing food insecurity. Reinventing its largest annual fundraiser, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s Spring Hat Luncheon will now be a DIY picnic. Nature lovers can order a custom-prepared, gourmet picnic basket to enjoy in Frick Park, at home or in their own neighborhood on September 26. In keeping with the longstanding tradition, picnic-goers are encouraged to show off their haute hat fashions while celebrating our region’s outstanding parks. Attendees can choose from three picnic menus created by Common Plea Catering — seaside, classic or French countryside — for pick up or delivery. Proceeds will support Pittsburgh’s public park system and meal distribution programs for local children.

For more events, go here. Know about an interesting event taking place soon? Email us here.

Jennifer has worked at the Mattress Factory, Brooklyn Museum of Art and SLB Radio Productions. She is co-author of the award-winning book, "Pittsburgh Signs Project: 250 Signs of Western Pennsylvania." For 15-plus years, she was co-coordinator and marketing director with Handmade Arcade, Pittsburgh's first and largest independent craft fair. She makes music as The Garment District and is a founding member of Brooklyn's The Ladybug Transistor.